NPFL: Rivers United reclaim top spot as relegation battle heats up

The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Matchday 32 witnessed a shift at the top of the table as Rivers United returned to the summit, while defending champions Remo Stars and Katsina United secured valuable points on the road.

Matchday 32 kicked off on Saturday as continental-ticket-chasing Nasarawa United fell 1-0 to Kwara United at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos. Abdulsalam Abdulsalam scored the decisive goal from the penalty spot deep into stoppage time.

POST-KUN KALIFAT PRESSER

Finidi George was a happy man after we got back to winning ways in the #NPFL26 with a 4-2 victory over Kun Kalifat FC .

Afterwards, the boss faced the media at AAS to discuss our performance, missed goal scoring opportunities and more.

📺 Watch on pic.twitter.com/1CTDVpbaWG

— Rivers United FC (@RiversUnitedFC) March 30, 2026

Meanwhile, at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin, Bendel Insurance was forced to a 2-2 draw by visiting Plateau United.

The hosts took the lead in the 14th minute through Alex Oweifaleya, only for Gideon Monday to equalize for Plateau from a corner just before half-time. Insurance regained the lead in the 65th minute, but a late penalty converted by Temitope Vincent in stoppage time rescued a point for the visitors.

Sunday’s fixtures

Rivers United, after losing four straight games, bounced back to winning ways with a dominant 4-2 victory in Port Harcourt against Kun Khalifat. Goals from Aniekeme Okon (16’), Iyowuna Douglas (40’, 82’), and Handsome Surveyor (45’) ensured maximum points for the Pride of Rivers, despite strikes from Abdulrafiu Omolabi (24’) and Sunday Adehi (38’) for the visitors.

Meanwhile, Enugu Rangers, who started the day at the top, suffered a setback in Ibadan at the Lekan Salami Stadium, where Shooting Stars claimed a 3-1 victory.

After a goalless first half, Sodiq Ibrahim broke the deadlock four minutes after the restart. The Flying Antelopes responded through Chidiebere Nwobodo in the 69th minute, but the Oluyole Warriors regained control via a Desmond Ojietefian header before Mustapha Adams sealed the result 10 minutes from time.

In Lagos, Ikorodu City and Warri Wolves produced a seven-goal thriller, with the hosts edging the contest 4-3. Abayomi Ayodeji and Joseph Arumala put the “Oga Boys” ahead early. Although Warri Wolves fought back strongly in the second half with a brace from Igbunu Evwierhurhoma, Ikorodu City held on to remain in title contention.

In Aba, Enyimba FC edged a hard-fought Abia derby, defeating Abia Warriors 2-1. Chidera Michael and Emeka Obioma provided the goals for the People’s Elephant, while Williams pulled one back for the Warriors deep into stoppage time.

Elsewhere, Remo Stars earned a hard-fought 1-1 draw away to El-Kanemi Warriors in Maiduguri despite playing with 10 men, picking their first away point under Usman Abd’Allah.

Niger Tornadoes left it late to secure a 2-0 win over Wikki Tourists, with Abdullah Shehu converting from the penalty spot in the 80th minute before Tshimaga sealed the result in added time.

Table structure

With Matchday 32 concluded, the race for the 2025-26 NPFL title intensifies. Rivers United leads with 55 points, followed closely by Rangers (54) and Ikorodu City (52). Despite their loss, Nasarawa United remains in the top four on goal difference ahead of Shooting Stars.

At the bottom, Kun Khalifat (20th) and Wikki Tourists (19th) remain in the drop zone, while Kwara United’s victory moved them up to 18th, further tightening the relegation battle.

Matchday 32 results:

Kwara United 1-0 Nasarawa United

Bendel Insurance 2-2 Plateau United

El-Kanemi Warriors 1-1 Remo Stars

Shooting Stars 3-1 Rangers International

Barau FC 0-0 Katsina United

Niger Tornadoes 2-0 Wikki Tourists

Enyimba 2-1 Abia Warriors

Bayelsa United 4-1 Kano Pillars

Ikorodu City 4-3 Wolves

Rivers United 4-2 Kun Khalifat